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Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face
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Author:  Rodeor [ Sun May 31, 2020 7:10 am ]
Post subject:  Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

I'd like to know the significance of the numbers:
35, 50, 75, 90, E, 115, 130, 155, 190, S, 40, 45, 80, 85, W, 120, 125, 160, 165, N
Alternating in white & gold around the outer edge of the dial face on my Pluton A51038, purchased new in 1993.
A tough old workhorse still running well with new battery.

Author:  jerhal [ Sun May 31, 2020 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

Compass headings

Author:  Rodeor [ Sun May 31, 2020 6:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

No, not compass bearings. No relation to position the 360 degrees on a compass.
75 where 45 should be?

Author:  jerhal [ Mon Jun 01, 2020 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

Rotate the Bezel so the N is at 12 o'clock. They're compass bearings.

Author:  Nihon_Ni [ Mon Jun 01, 2020 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

I've always wondered what these marking are. As a retired professional navigator, I can say with certainty that they aren't compass bearings.

N, 35, 50, 75, 90, E, 115, 130, 155, 190, S, 40, 45, 80, 85, W, 120, 125, 160, 165, N

If they are compass bearings, then here's the problem. All these marks are equidistant, so the measurement between them must be constant if this is a directional tool. Starting at North and going clockwise, there's 35 degrees between the first pair (N-35), but only 15 between the next pair (35-50), then 25 degrees, then 15, then 0 (90-E), then 25, then 15, then 25 then 35 then -10 (between 190 and South, which is 180 degrees from North). And between South and North clockwise it's a completely different pattern: 40, 5, 35, 5, 5, 30, 5, 35, 5, 15.

So if it's not a compass, what is it?

Author:  Rodeor [ Mon Jun 01, 2020 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

Exactly! Thank you for confirming such a clear way.

Author:  jerhal [ Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

I can't read the bezel in your picture die to the angle. I googled Pluton A51038 and this is what I got for every image that came up. It has compass headings.

Image

BTW I was a professional aerial navigator too. 20 years as a USN P-3 NFO.

Edit: Now I see what you are talking about. Not on the bezel.

Author:  Nihon_Ni [ Tue Jun 02, 2020 4:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

jerhal wrote:
I can't read the bezel in your picture die to the angle. I googled Pluton A51038 and this is what I got for every image that came up. It has compass headings.

Image

BTW I was a professional aerial navigator too. 20 years as a USN P-3 NFO.

Edit: Now I see what you are talking about. Not on the bezel.


Ha! I was a USMC Prowler NFO for 20+ yrs!

You're right, the bezel is compass bearings, but the OP is asking about the markings on the outside rim of the dial.

Author:  Rodeor [ Tue Jun 02, 2020 8:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Unusual numbering on Pluton dial face

Thanks guys! No bickering now!
Although appreciating, I was not expecting, such highly qualified responders to my query!!
No personal military experience here, but a proud son of a vet and brother to a retired Canadian Hornet driver.
Of course I will appreciate learning the answer to my numbers question and expect you will as well.
Let's keep our "ears" on for any news.
Thanks again.
Richard
ps: Sorry about the poor photography.

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